When the Bears face off against the Carolina Panthers Thursday night, the game will not only mark the start of the 2019 preseason but also the first donation in the Bears100 Community All-Pros Initiative.
The first recipient of a $100,000 grant will be Habitat for Humanity Chicago, the local chapter of the international charitable organization founded in 1976.
Habitat Chicago has built affordable homes across the city. In recent years, the organization has focused its efforts into two South Side neighborhoods, West Pullman and Greater Grand Crossing. In West Pullman, the organization has built 18 new, affordable, and energy-efficient homes and is committed to building 46 in total.
"We are so incredibly grateful to the Chicago Bears for supporting our mission here in Chicago – this city we all proudly call home," said Jennifer L. Parks, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Chicago. "Congratulations to the Chicago Bears on your 100th anniversary and we look forward to celebrating with you at the August 8th home game. Go Bears! Thank you for believing in our work and supporting our efforts to build strength and stability through affordable homeownership and neighborhood investments."
In addition to building homes, Habitat Chicago also educates future home buyers and seeks to train them in the matter home care and community leadership.
The Community All-Pros Initiative is an opportunity for the team to show its gratitude to the community that has supported it since 1921. Ten grants will be awarded over the course of the season before every home game, totaling $1 million.
"We're looking forward to seeing the positive impact these organizations will continue to have on those they serve," said chairman George McCaskey.
